Discovering Europe on foot

Almost 90 percent of Corsica is mountainous, so the "Sentier de Grand Randonnée 20" or GR 20 for short, is really only for athletic hikers. They have to master huge differences in altitude and challenging climbs. The entire trail between Calenzana in the north and Conca in the south is 180 kilometers (112 mi) long. The GR 20 is rightly called one of Europe's most challenging hiking routes.

Crossing Andalucia on the GR 7 long-distance footpath let's you know that unexpected discoveries are still possible in a landscape already frequented by tourists. It runs through terraced mountain slopes, olive groves and whitewashed villages such as Capileira: a fascinating mixture of cultivated countryside and rugged wilderness. And there's lots of it: the Spanish GR 7 is 1900 kilometers long.

St. Francis' Way takes you through the green heart of Tuscany, from Florence to Assisi. It links places associated with St. Francis of Assisi. Off the beaten track, it leads you to your destination over field and forest paths. A contemplative trail with a simple message that makes you feel good: pause, reflect, let go. Nothing could be better!

Hiking through countryside that still feels like untouched wilderness is always possible in Durmitor National Park, with almost 50 peaks. The trail from Zabljak to the highest summit, Bobotov Kuk, at an elevation of 2522 meters (8274 ft.), is a challenge. It leads past mountain lakes, through shady forests and rocky plateaus. The panoramic views however make it all worth while.

Georgia is a predominantly undeveloped hiking paradise. So setting off alone is a past-time reserved for the more adventure-minded. Everyone else should opt for an organized trekking tour. Svaneti is considered an absolute highlight. On it you will discover remote medieval villages, monasteries, glaciers and the mountain giants of the Caucasus with peaks over 5000 meters.

You could spend a good month on the 488 kilometer trail from Porrentruy to Mendrisio if you were to hike it in its entirety. But you don't have to: its 32 stages are perfect for combining hiking with bus and railway travel — after all, this is Switzerland. You can enjoy this Alpine country's natural beauty at your own pace. A highlight is the stage that goes over the Gotthard Pass (2106 metres).

What would hiking be without the pleasures of food and drink? Hiking routes through Germany's 13 wine-growing regions combine both physical exercise and culinary delights.Take the Red Wine Hiking Trail along the River Ahr, for example. Its 35 kilometers offer plenty of opportunities to stop off, whether in one of the many wineries — or one of the vineyards along the way.

England, coast to coast, please! From windswept cliffs over moors to romantic villages — on this long-distance footpath, you get it all. The route leads 360 kilometers through northern England from St. Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea. The trail however is unofficial and mostly unsignposted, but you can always stop at a pub along the way and ask for directions.

With more than 2000 kilometers of hiking trails, Ireland is a true paradise for hikers. The most famous route is the Kerry Way, but it is also quite crowded. So if you are looking for solitude, it is better to follow its northern brother, the Dingle Way. Sandy beaches, cliffs, barren mountains and lush meadows - there is no lack of variety. That, of course, is also applies to the weather...

It bubbles and hisses, and it's breathtaking. Nowhere else in Europe can you get closer to geological phenomena. You pass glaciers, lava fields and hot springs. Iceland's best-known trekking route can be hiked in four to six days, overnighting in huts along the way. The 55 kilometer route starts at the hot springs of Landmannalaugar and leads into Þórsmörk Nature Reserve.